If you take a ride with Mr. Jones around Kinston, you will see all the lives he’s positively impacted in the community. He doesn’t go anywhere without youth coming up to greet him warmly and/or to thank him for the difference he has made in their life.

Working with youth through martial arts training has been a lifetime dream of head instructor, Master Joseph Jones. That dream became a reality in 2001 with the opening of Little Union Academy of Martial Arts! 

Grandmaster Jones has trained vigorously in the Martial Arts for over 50 years. He is 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Moo Duk Kwan and began his training under Grand Master Richard Chun in New York City at the Richard Chun Karate School Inc. He also trained along side Grand Master Joseph Hayes, a world renowned Taekwondo champion and assistant head instructor at the school. Hayes served as captain of the USA Team which placed 2nd in the 1st World Taekwondo Championships held in Seoul, Korea in 1973.

Over the years, Master Jones has been honored with many awards and recognitions, including: 2012 Minority Business of the Year for Outstanding Business Leadership and Significant Contribution to the City of Kinston and Lenoir County; 2013 Community Service Award from the Lambda Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.; 2017 Certificate of Commendation for outstanding contributions to the development of Taekwondo from the Richard Taekwondo Headquarter; 2023 Lifetime Service Award from the Korea Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan Association and 2024 Induction into the American Martial Arts Alliance Who's Who Metaverse Martial Arts Museum!

Despite the many awards and achievements Grandmaster Jones' true joy and satisfaction comes from the many youth he has been able to positively impact through the teaching of martial arts. He has taught in many arenas ranging from New York City to local areas such as: youth centers, charter and public schools in Lenoir, Duplin County and more!